The Beach gained the accolade of being the first and only five-star hotel in Negombo, ensuring up-market tourists have a home in the beach resort town closest to the international airport.
Ii is planned specifically to highlight contemporary Sri Lankan style. The architect worked carefully with the existing structure to highlight aspects typical of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, who designed the building. Open spaces, clean lines and above all, an emphasis on minimalism, ensures the eye is drawn to the gorgeous natural surroundings rather than the building itself. As well as the five-star quality food and lodgings, the hotel boasts a well-appointed Spa offering holistic treatments that aim to take guests to a higher level of relaxation.
Dining If ‘wellness’ includes food, then the fine dining restaurant called Black Coral must be the number one treatment. The quality and presentation of the food is of such a standard that it rivals any of the famous eateries in Colombo. Not only is the food superb, but the ambience is relaxed and intimate and the décor stylish in an understated manner. Candles on every table reflects warmly through the sparkling outsized wine glasses, and the black crockery contrasts perfectly with the deep red napkins. The bar faces a striking image - a water feature with trees rising from the centre of a pool lined with blue tiles, lighting up dramatically at night for drinkers to gaze at.
It is not only the fine dining that is outstanding though: the breakfast buffet is a real treat, with items such as smoked salmon, an array of European cheeses and delicious fresh soursop juice among others. Hot food is prepared freshly in the kitchen to order rather than standing to stew in the buffet area unlike at the majority of hotel buffets, and the spreads of pastries, fruits and cereals are impressive for their range and freshness.
Rooms The rooms are unique in that instead of a wall separating the bedroom from bathroom, here there were windows. This avoids the claustrophobic feeling of many tiny hotel bathrooms and allows the guest to lie in the immense bath with a view of palms and distant boats on the horizon. Inside, the bedroom is furnished completely with solid dark wooden items, in contrast to the plain white walls. The floor features smooth, cooling tiles and the windows are covered by simple black-out blinds to ensure guest can lie in for as long as they want, no matter how bright the sunshine reflecting off the white sands outside.
(Content Source : Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)
Address 131 King Street Melbourne Vic 3000
Location In the CBD, convenient to Telstra Dome, Crown Casino, New Quay Docklands and Queen Victoria Market.
Important information Please note the pool is closed for refurbishment in August
